Movie Review: Shaolin

Date: 2 February 2011
Time: 11:00pm
Location: GV Marina
Kaki: Family
Rating: 4.5 stars
Language: Chinese

Synopsis:
China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power by warring over neighboring lands. Fuelled by his success on the battlefield, young and arrogant Hao Jie sneers at Shaolin's masters when he beats one of them in a duel. But pride comes before a fall. When his own family is wiped out by a rival warlord, Hao is forced to take refuge with the monks. As the civil unrest spreads and the people suffer, Hao and the Shaolin masters are forced to take a fiery stand against the evil warlords. They launch a daring plan of rescue and escape.

Review:
It's been a long time since I raved about a Chinese movie, and people... this is it. =) This is a good Chinese Martial Arts Flick... and surprise surprise, it doesn't have Jet Li or Donnie Yen inside! :) Instead, we have good ol' Andy Lau. Well, and bit parts for Jackie Chan. I will get to that later.

It is a good movie because:

1. The fact of "kill or be killed" is something that we all face, so how do you break the pattern that we are all so immersed in?
2. For once, I feel that buddhism is not misconstrued.. well, largely anyway. A lot of times, a lot of romanticsm is added into shows with Buddhism. For one, Buddhism is a way of life, and it is less to do with (A) Super powers, (B) Karma Sutra, and (C) Immediately grants you peace. Enough griping... :P Moving on..
3. The action sequence was very good. The use of real shaolin monks and of course, the various key roles were by people with some martial arts background, so the fights were v good, and I really really appreciate them. I would watch the movie again if I had the time. I am convinced that on the many movie channels that I have on cable, I will definitely get to watch it again. Now it's whether I wanna get the DVD, so I can watch it anytime. (Yes, I like it that much)
4. Andy Lau acted very well. I think he should get a freaking Golden Horse Award for this man!
5. Nicholes Tse was not bad...
6. A touching movie... even if a trite overdone in the destruction of shaolin temple at the finale.
7. Oh.. and I have to add, I think whoever did the costuming and cinematography ought to get some award of sorts as well. Some scenes are just too poignant, and till now, I still remember the scene where Andy Lau is shadow practicising martial arts moves with this young monk. That scene, I thought... was perfect.

Why is it not 5-star? The 0.5 stars was deducted due to the following:

1. Fan Bing Bing, or Bai Bing Bing (either one, I keep mixing them up) is ALWAYS in the role of the long suffering wife. so *yawn yawn*, boring! She is also the long suffering wife from Ip Man in case you're wondering. (Post Edit - Error Admission! The wife of Ip Man is not Fan Bing Bing but Xiong Dai Ling :P)
2. Jackie Chan. I never thought I would say this, but to a certain extent, I think he is getting a little over indulgent. I am a huge fan, and will always be a fan of his. But really, the weird dialects (just cuz you can do it, doesn't mean you need to do it at every show, and especially if the value add is zilch?), and the funny action sequence. This show, to a certain extent, is serious. The theme and topic they are dealing with, is also serious. Some light hearted moments are fine, but the "slapstick fighting in your face" is actually at odds with the entire show, and results in a little bit of a "misfit" in the overall scheme of things. However, I know, he's the "dai gor", and he is to be respected. So.. k la... but it did spoil the movie a little bit.

All in all, go watch the movie if you can, or rent the DVD. =) I would rewatch it anytime!